Iconic British actor is unrecognisable in childhood snap with Helen Shapiro at one of his first acting gigs – but can YOU guess who it is?

After creating a reputation for himself on a prominent soap opera, he is now considered to be one of the most identifiable actors in the United Kingdom.

Beginning in his boyhood, he has always had a strong interest in acting, and on Monday, he posted a throwback photo from 1981, when he was performing in a production of Oliver at the Noel Coward Theatre. At the time, pop sensation Helen Shapiro was playing Sarah.

However, despite the fact that he may have begun his career on the West End, many people would remember him for his work in the East End after he established himself as a prominent figure in the world of television.

He went on to become one of the most well-known figures in the world of soap operas, and he was honoured by The British Soap Awards with a Lifetime award. He is the longest-serving male cast member on EastEnders, having starred on the soap opera for 37 years. On Monday, he delighted his Instagram followers by posting a throwback from one of his earliest productions.

Unrecognisable with his curly locks and fresh-faced features, he bore more of a likeness to Chris Martin, who is a member of Coldplay.

His description read, “Found this backstage photo with Helen Shapiro as Nancy from when I was in ‘Oliver!’ at the then Albery (now Noel Coward) Theatre in 1981.” He mentioned that he had taken the photograph in 1981.

In 1985, Adam became a member of EastEnders, playing the role of Ian Beale. In January 2021, after a heated confrontation with his ex-wife, Sharon Watts, Adam left the Albert Square location.

In the year 2022, he made a brief appearance on the soap opera, and then in August of the following year, he returned for good.

The return of Ian was accompanied by his wife, Cindy Beale, who was played by Michelle Collins.

After a surprising return from the grave after a period of 26 years, Cindy was discovered to be residing in France with her son Peter and her ex-husband Ian Beale. His son Peter was also present.

After some time had passed, it was discovered that Cindy had been provided with the pseudonym Rose Knight and had been living under witness protection for the last twenty years.

In a further turn of events, it was revealed that she was the absent wife of Queen Vic landlord George Knight (Colin Salmon), as well as the mother of their two daughters, Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford).

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Can you make a guess as to who it is?